Spezza, 34, personally pledged a total of $50,000 from 2015-16 to 2016-17 to kick start the scholarship fund. In support of Spezza's philanthropic efforts, local business owners Tim and Ann Dungan donated $300 to the fund for every point he recorded during the 2016-17 regular season.
During the 2016-17 season, the Dungan's not only donated $15,000 for Spezza's 50 points (15-35=50), but they added $10,000 to match his $25,000 contribution for the season. In total over the last two years, the Jason Spezza Scholarship Fund has raised over $100,000 in support of youth hockey in North Texas.
The Jason Spezza Scholarship Fund grants monetary assistance for ice-time or program fees to children that cannot afford to play hockey due to adversity faced in their lives or financial restraints within their family. The two-time All-Star will host the recipients of the grants at the clinic, with an on-ice session from 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., followed by a lunch provided by Tim and Ann Dungan.
"I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to give back to the North Texas hockey community in a meaningful way," Spezza said. "In the two years of the scholarship program, we have been able to help numerous families deal with the financial burden that comes with participating in a sport. As a life-long hockey player, I am passionate about giving the next generation of young hockey players the chance to participate in the sport they love regardless of situation."
Click here for more information regarding the Jason Spezza Scholarship Fund.
